Tiger Woods is known for his perfect posture, particularly at the address and impact points in his swing. In a Timeless Tips series by GOLF.com, the focus is on highlighting the best advice given by teachers and players in the past. In this case, the advice comes from Tiger Woods himself, as shared in a feature published in the April 2013 issue of GOLF Magazine. Tiger’s powerful swing starts with his posture, which has remained consistent throughout his career despite various changes in his swing technique.
Tiger’s posture is a key component of his powerful swing. He maintains a rock-solid setup with a forward bend in his upper body, a downward angle in his pelvis, and straightening of his lower body at impact. This posture allows him to leverage the ground effectively and create speed in his swing, leading to long drives and excellent ball striking. Tiger’s posture also promotes spine and hip health, as it involves bending from the hip joints rather than the waist and maintaining a neutral spine tilt.
In addition to his upper body posture, Tiger’s arms, legs, and knees play crucial roles in his swing. His arms hang vertically, allowing him to keep them close to his chest during the swing. His legs straighten and his knees remain flexed as he pushes off the ground for power. Tiger’s dynamic backswing involves a tilt toward the ball on his left side, creating a winding motion without changing his angles significantly.
During his downswing, Tiger “crunches” his posture by rapidly decreasing the tilt in his pelvis, similar to doing ab crunches. He rolls his weight from his right leg to his left, actively pushing off the ground for added power. This pushing action, combined with his strong core and flexibility, allows Tiger to generate speed and distance in his swing. Overall, Tiger’s posture and movement patterns contribute to his exceptional ball striking and consistent performance on the course.
By understanding and implementing the key components of Tiger’s posture in their own swings, golfers can improve their power and consistency. Proper posture at address and impact, combined with efficient movements throughout the swing, can lead to better ball striking and increased distance off the tee. Learning from Tiger Woods’ approach to posture and power can help golfers at all levels enhance their game and achieve their goals on the course.
